Advance Your Career as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist with the Phoenix VA

Are you a seasoned physical therapist looking to combine your clinical expertise with a deeper sense of purpose? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Phoenix Healthcare System is currently seeking a highly motivated Physical Therapist to serve as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead, mentor, and provide specialized care in a facility dedicated to the service of those who have sacrificed for our nation.

Job Responsibilities

As an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, you are viewed as a subject matter expert. Your responsibilities go beyond standard patient care:

Clinical Leadership: Provide advanced evaluations and treatments for complex orthopedic and musculoskeletal issues.
Mentorship: Serve as a mentor for staff and students, providing clinical training and educational in-services.
Consultation: act as an expert resource for other medical center staff and providers.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Represent the Physical Therapy department in interdisciplinary rounds and contribute to the development of the rehab care line.
Process Improvement: Evaluate patient outcomes and adjust treatment plans using specialized technology and evidence-based techniques.

Comparison: Standard vs. Clinical Specialist Role

Feature	Standard Physical Therapist	Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
Scope of Practice	Direct Patient Care	SME/Consultant/Clinician
Mentorship	Minimal	Significant (Mentors staff/students)
Autonomy	High	Advanced/High
Specialty Focus	General	25%+ focused on Orthopedic Population

Requirements

To qualify for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Education: Doctorate in Physical Therapy or a Master’s with two years of experience or a Bachelor’s with five years of experience.
Licensure: You must hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice.
Experience: You must demonstrate 2,000+ hours of clinical practice in the specialty, board certification, or completion of a fellowship.
Language: Proficiency in written and spoken English is mandatory.
Drug Testing: As this is a testing-designated position, you must be prepared for mandatory drug screenings.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $128,886 to $167,554 per year. Beyond the compensation, the VHA provides a robust benefits package that supports professional growth and work-life balance, including federal annual leave accruals, health coverage, and retirement benefits.

Application Tips

Use the Required Template: The VA provides a specific Clinical Resume document. Always use this to avoid being excluded during the initial screening.
Be Specific: In your application, clearly document your 2,000 hours of orthopedic clinical practice. Do not assume the hiring team knows your background.
Prepare for Onboarding: The VHA utilizes a 30-day hiring model. If you receive a tentative offer, be prepared for swift background checks and medical requirements.

If you are an expert in orthopedic rehabilitation, this role offers the perfect blend of clinical autonomy and the chance to contribute to a life-changing mission. Take the next step in your career at the Phoenix VA and apply today.

Why This Physical Therapist (Orthopedic Clinical Specalist) Job Matters

Elevate your career as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist with the Veterans Health Administration, where your expert clinical skills directly empower the health and well-being of our nation's heroes in Phoenix, Arizona.

Physical Therapist (Orthopedic Clinical Specalist) Job Overview

The VHA Phoenix Healthcare System is seeking a highly skilled Physical Therapist to serve as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. In this role, you will act as a subject matter expert, providing advanced evaluation and treatment for orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions. You will collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, mentor medical staff and students, and influence clinical outcomes through specialized, evidence-based care within a supportive, whole-health environment.

Requirements for Physical Therapist (Orthopedic Clinical Specalist)

U.S. Citizenship
Current, full, and unrestricted Physical Therapist license
Graduate of a CAPTE-accredited physical therapy program
Proficiency in written and spoken English
One year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the GS-12 level
Evidence of 2,000+ hours in the specialty area, board certification, or advanced fellowship/degree
Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background investigation
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program

Preferred Qualifications for Physical Therapist (Orthopedic Clinical Specalist)

Board Certification in Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Experience in clinical mentorship and staff training
Expertise in complex orthopedic rehabilitation and musculoskeletal dysfunction
Advanced skills in interpreting specialized diagnostic tests and treatment outcomes

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal employee annual leave accrual (based on years of service)
✓Competitive salary range with federal pay scales
✓Opportunities for professional development and residency program involvement
✓Stable work-life balance (standard Monday-Friday schedule)
✓Comprehensive federal benefits package
✓Contribution to a meaningful, mission-driven public service

💡 How to Apply Physical Therapist (Orthopedic Clinical Specalist) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Physical Therapist (Orthopedic Clinical Specalist) Job

Create or update your USAJOBS account.
Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume Document from the provided link.
Prepare your supporting documents, including your license, transcripts, and any applicable veterans' preference documentation.
Submit your application through the USAJOBS portal before the September 4, 2026, deadline.
Complete the occupational questionnaire within the portal.
Monitor your email for status updates, interview invitations, or requests for further documentation.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume clearly highlights your clinical expertise and specific 2,000+ hours of specialty practice.
Use the specific clinical resume template provided by the VA to avoid processing delays.
Verify that all documents, such as your license and transcripts, are legible and current.
Check your application status frequently via your USAJOBS dashboard.
Be prepared to complete onboarding tasks, such as fingerprinting, within three days of a tentative offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary focus of this clinical specialist role?

You will act as the lead subject matter expert for orthopedic and musculoskeletal care, performing advanced evaluations, mentoring staff, and guiding clinical treatment plans.

Is this position eligible for remote work?

No, this is an onsite position located at the Phoenix VA Medical Center.

What happens if I have pending credentials?

You may be referred and tentatively selected, but you cannot be officially hired until all licensure and degree requirements are fully met.

What is the work schedule for this position?

*A: The schedule is generally Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, though hours may adjust based on clinic needs.*

Are there relocation incentives?

*A: No, relocation or recruitment incentives are not authorized for this specific vacancy.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is committed to fulfilling President Lincoln’s promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." Working within the Phoenix VA, you will be part of a "Whole Health System"—a holistic approach that empowers Veterans to take charge of their well-being through personalized health plans and supportive, compassionate environments.